18 of the most powerful Harvard graduates alive

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From the former US president to the heads of some of the biggest financial institutions in the world, Harvard University graduates have established themselves in powerful positions.

Harvard is known as being one of the best academic institutions in the America.

Both its undergraduate and graduate programs consistently top many higher-education rankings.

For this list, we've included any living person who has a degree from one of Harvard's schools. We looked for those who are currently in positions of major power and influence on a national and global stage.

By no means it is every powerful Harvard graduate, but it's a good place to start.

Jared Kushner, senior adviser to President Trump, graduated with a BA in government in 2003.

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President Trump's son-in-law has growing responsibilities in the White House and recently traveled to Iraq to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, Iraq's minister of defense, and US military officials.

Prior to his role in the White House, Kushner was the principal owner of Kushner Companies, his family's real estate business, and publisher of the New York Observer.

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Lloyd Blankfein, CEO of Goldman Sachs, earned his BA in 1975 and his JD in 1978.

Steve Bannon, White House chief strategist, received his MBA in 1985.

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

A key player in the Trump White House, Bannon is said to to have direct influence on Trump's decision making. However, there has been a bit of reported tension recently between Bannon and senior adviser Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, leading Trump to reportedly order the two to "work this out."

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Chuck Schumer, Senate minority leader, earned his BA from Harvard College in 1971 and his JD in 1974.

AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

The top Senate Democrat was elected unanimously as the party's leader following Sen. Harry Reid's retirement.

US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts graduated with an BA in 1976 and a JD in 1979.

Being a relatively young chief justice, Roberts will likely be able to shape and direct the court for many years to come. He has already written influential opinions on cases such as healthcare reform.

Roberts graduated summa cum laude with his bachelor's and magna cum laude with his Juris Doctor.

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Ted Cruz, US senator, graduated magna cum laude in 1995 with a JD.

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Cruz, a US senator from Texas, was a major challenger to President Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election.

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Barack Obama, former US president, graduated with a JD magna cum laude in 1991.

AP

The 44th president of the United States, Obama still commands enormous attention and respect. And his speaking obligations certainly pull in huge sums. At a Wall Street conference run by Cantor Fitzgerald, he made $400,000 for his appearance, though he faced some criticism over it.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama also earned her JD from Harvard, graduating in 1988.

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Michael Bloomberg, former mayor of New York City, received his MBA in 1966.